Three Review: The Best Value Network in Ireland
When it comes to value, no one ticks quite as many boxes as Three does, the company provides the best plans in Ireland.
Credit: The Times
Published 13/08/18
Widely lauded for its plans, Three has managed to become Ireland's second largest mobile network, pressuring others to abolish data allowances and offer customers the freedom that unlimited provides. Three stands out as an aggressive and constantly evolving competitor in a market that has been dominated by one player for years.
Vodafone's customers watch in envy as their counterparts on Three consume as much data as they like, at a price that doesn't break the bank. There's no other way to put it, Three has risen to popularity for it's "all you can eat data" plans, a strategy that has raised eyebrows across the telecoms industry. Three's merger with Telefónica's O2 in 2015 gave the company the momentum it needed to establish a network that would challenge Vodafone.
Vodafone's customers watch in envy as their counterparts on Three consume as much data as they like, at a price that doesn't break the bank. There's no other way to put it, Three has risen to popularity for it's "all you can eat data" plans, a strategy that has raised eyebrows across the telecoms industry. Three's merger with Telefónica's O2 in 2015 gave the company the momentum it needed to establish a network that would challenge Vodafone.
Summary
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Network Overview: Three has emerged from the Ashes
Three has come a long way with its network, thanks to "The Big Upgrade" programme which has dramatically increased 4G capacity and coverage across the country. Three's CEO, Robert Finnegan, recently announced that the company has achieved 97% 4G population coverage in Ireland. That's an impressive accomplishment, a telling sign that Three has emerged from the ashes in the wake of the disastrous merger with O2.
Three still doesn't have the best network in Ireland, Vodafone has managed to secure that title. However, the company has chugged along with the expansion of its 4G network, a network with greater capacity than that of Vodafone and Eir. Unfortunately, I have yet to see Three bring 4G to my area, that means the company is five years behind Vodafone (at least in my case). In an industry as fast-paced as telecoms, five years is an eternity, and it's just not acceptable, especially when I've been told time and time again over the last number of years that 4G is coming soon.
Now, it would be stupid of me to use the experience of Three's coverage in my area as an example of the network's strength in other areas. On a national basis, Three's 4G and 3G coverage is good, and you shouldn't be disappointed if you live in an urban area. I will go as far as to say that Three's coverage has surpassed that of Eir, and it continues to expand its network week by week.
In terms of 4G speeds, Three blitzes Eir in many locations, and I've actually found Three's network to be faster than Vodafone's in areas where the company has recently implemented three carrier aggregation and 256QAM, boasting theoretical maximum speeds of 400Mbps. It's also important to note that Three has to carry a lot more data traffic than any of its competitors (the company carries two-thirds of all mobile data traffic in Ireland), meaning congestion can be an issue in many locations. Ookla rated Three the slowest network in Ireland last year, but those results don't portray the transformative effects which Three's network upgrades have had in recent months. Sure, overall, Three's speeds are a far cry from those available with Vodafone, but that's not the case everywhere, so this will depend on your location.
With 5G up and coming, Three has hinted that it will begin rolling out the technology early in 2019. The company is likely to pursue 5G as a method of delivering home broadband, an alternative to fixed fibre in locations where it remains unavailable. For Three, this gives the company a chance to attract new customers, broadband customers are usually willing to pay more than they do for mobile. Three won 100MHz of 3.6GHz spectrum nationally in ComReg's spectrum auction, putting the company in a prime position to roll out a widespread 5G network. The introduction of 5G will alleviate the pressure on Three's 4G network in areas where congestion has become an issue.
Three still doesn't have the best network in Ireland, Vodafone has managed to secure that title. However, the company has chugged along with the expansion of its 4G network, a network with greater capacity than that of Vodafone and Eir. Unfortunately, I have yet to see Three bring 4G to my area, that means the company is five years behind Vodafone (at least in my case). In an industry as fast-paced as telecoms, five years is an eternity, and it's just not acceptable, especially when I've been told time and time again over the last number of years that 4G is coming soon.
Now, it would be stupid of me to use the experience of Three's coverage in my area as an example of the network's strength in other areas. On a national basis, Three's 4G and 3G coverage is good, and you shouldn't be disappointed if you live in an urban area. I will go as far as to say that Three's coverage has surpassed that of Eir, and it continues to expand its network week by week.
In terms of 4G speeds, Three blitzes Eir in many locations, and I've actually found Three's network to be faster than Vodafone's in areas where the company has recently implemented three carrier aggregation and 256QAM, boasting theoretical maximum speeds of 400Mbps. It's also important to note that Three has to carry a lot more data traffic than any of its competitors (the company carries two-thirds of all mobile data traffic in Ireland), meaning congestion can be an issue in many locations. Ookla rated Three the slowest network in Ireland last year, but those results don't portray the transformative effects which Three's network upgrades have had in recent months. Sure, overall, Three's speeds are a far cry from those available with Vodafone, but that's not the case everywhere, so this will depend on your location.
With 5G up and coming, Three has hinted that it will begin rolling out the technology early in 2019. The company is likely to pursue 5G as a method of delivering home broadband, an alternative to fixed fibre in locations where it remains unavailable. For Three, this gives the company a chance to attract new customers, broadband customers are usually willing to pay more than they do for mobile. Three won 100MHz of 3.6GHz spectrum nationally in ComReg's spectrum auction, putting the company in a prime position to roll out a widespread 5G network. The introduction of 5G will alleviate the pressure on Three's 4G network in areas where congestion has become an issue.
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Bill Pay: Stellar Value
While Three's network doesn't appeal to everyone, their plans certainly do. Three has set the standard when it comes to value, providing unlimited data (60GB) across all bill pay and sim only plans. For many, this a huge perk of being a Three customer. It means you can use your phone to do what you like, stream ultra-high definition Netflix, download large files, etc. without having to worry about surplus charges. It really does make a huge difference, trust me, when you've got unlimited, you'll find it hard to move back to a limited plan.
Generally, we know that nothing is truly unlimited. These plans do have a fair usage limit of 60GB, after which, Three may throttle your speeds. However, I've breached this fair usage limit and my speeds remained as they were before. The plans use a term called "Flexi Units" to describe the number of call minutes and texts that are available to use. One Flexi Unit is the equivalent of one call minute or two texts. The issue with this system, at least for those that call and text frequently, is that calls and texts are based on the same allowance. With other networks, the call and text allowances aren't correlated. In this way, Three isn't the best network to choose if you need a large allowance of calls and texts.
All of Three's bill pay and sim only plans include unlimited Three to Three calls and the bill pay plans are subject to a twenty-four month contract. Three's sim only plan, costing €30 monthly, is arguably one of the best plans available on the Irish market. The plan provides unlimited calls, texts and data on a thirty-day contract. Compare this plan to the one offered by Vodafone, which also costs €30 monthly, and its amusing from a data allowance standpoint. Vodafone provides a mere 5GB of data, over 55GB less than what Three gives.
One area where Vodafone does beat Three is with roaming. As many of you will be aware, Three barbarically resisted the introduction of new EU roaming rules last year that aimed to abolish roaming charges on this continent. The company found a loophole which it decided to pursue, limiting customers domestic unlimited data to a fraction of the allowance while roaming abroad. This is in contrast to Vodafone and Eir's recently revamped plans which allow customers to use their full domestic data allowance anywhere in Europe. As shown above, Three limits the unlimited data to an allowance below 10GB. Whats funny is the fact that Vodafone, for once in its life, is offering more data than Three, in terms of roaming. Something else I should highlight is the lack of widespread support for 4G roaming on Three, something which Vodafone has provided in over one hundred countries for a while now.
Until recently, Three provided the option of enjoying Deezer Premium, a French-based music streaming service similar to Spotify, for free for the first three months. It appears that this is no longer available. It would be nice to see Three partnering with some company to add value to these plans, especially on those costing over €40 monthly. For example, Vodafone does this, providing free Spotify Premium or Sky Sports Mobile on select plans.
To conclude this section of the review, I think it is only fitting that I explain the following: Three's portfolio of bill pay and sim only plans are the best in the industry. Not only do they provide huge data allowances, the plans don't wrestle you for your wallet, something which just can't be said about Three's biggest competitor, Vodafone. Sure, the lack of comprehensive EU roaming is a disappointment, but this pails in comparison to the disappointment experienced by Vodafone's customers when they realise they've breached their data allowance and are on the verge of being smothered by surplus charges.
Generally, we know that nothing is truly unlimited. These plans do have a fair usage limit of 60GB, after which, Three may throttle your speeds. However, I've breached this fair usage limit and my speeds remained as they were before. The plans use a term called "Flexi Units" to describe the number of call minutes and texts that are available to use. One Flexi Unit is the equivalent of one call minute or two texts. The issue with this system, at least for those that call and text frequently, is that calls and texts are based on the same allowance. With other networks, the call and text allowances aren't correlated. In this way, Three isn't the best network to choose if you need a large allowance of calls and texts.
All of Three's bill pay and sim only plans include unlimited Three to Three calls and the bill pay plans are subject to a twenty-four month contract. Three's sim only plan, costing €30 monthly, is arguably one of the best plans available on the Irish market. The plan provides unlimited calls, texts and data on a thirty-day contract. Compare this plan to the one offered by Vodafone, which also costs €30 monthly, and its amusing from a data allowance standpoint. Vodafone provides a mere 5GB of data, over 55GB less than what Three gives.
One area where Vodafone does beat Three is with roaming. As many of you will be aware, Three barbarically resisted the introduction of new EU roaming rules last year that aimed to abolish roaming charges on this continent. The company found a loophole which it decided to pursue, limiting customers domestic unlimited data to a fraction of the allowance while roaming abroad. This is in contrast to Vodafone and Eir's recently revamped plans which allow customers to use their full domestic data allowance anywhere in Europe. As shown above, Three limits the unlimited data to an allowance below 10GB. Whats funny is the fact that Vodafone, for once in its life, is offering more data than Three, in terms of roaming. Something else I should highlight is the lack of widespread support for 4G roaming on Three, something which Vodafone has provided in over one hundred countries for a while now.
Until recently, Three provided the option of enjoying Deezer Premium, a French-based music streaming service similar to Spotify, for free for the first three months. It appears that this is no longer available. It would be nice to see Three partnering with some company to add value to these plans, especially on those costing over €40 monthly. For example, Vodafone does this, providing free Spotify Premium or Sky Sports Mobile on select plans.
To conclude this section of the review, I think it is only fitting that I explain the following: Three's portfolio of bill pay and sim only plans are the best in the industry. Not only do they provide huge data allowances, the plans don't wrestle you for your wallet, something which just can't be said about Three's biggest competitor, Vodafone. Sure, the lack of comprehensive EU roaming is a disappointment, but this pails in comparison to the disappointment experienced by Vodafone's customers when they realise they've breached their data allowance and are on the verge of being smothered by surplus charges.
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Pay as you Go: A Boon for Data Lovers
Three's pay as you go offer is significantly simpler than those touted by Vodafone and Eir, both of which provide a myriad of choices to choose from. With Three, there's just one plan, and it boasts phenomenal value. The plan gives customers unlimited data (fair usage limit of 60GB) to enjoy, one of the largest allowances available on the Irish market. This plan is a classic example of Three's efforts to upend the Irish mobile market by offering more for less, it's been around for several years now and it could be the single most popular mobile plan in this country.
It's easy to see why thousands of Irish consumers continue to choose this plan above anything else, even if it did see some unfavourable changes last year. For €20 top up, you'll also receive unlimited any network texts and Three to Three calls. In addition, you will retain the ability to use the €20 credit for calls to other networks.
As is the case with bill pay, Three does limit your domestic data allowance while roaming in Europe. With this plan, you'll only be able to use 6GB while roaming. Now, for a better idea as to why so many people love this plan, let's compare it to one of Vodafone's pay as you go plan which costs the same. Vodafone's "Smart Extra" plan provides a mere 6GB of data, 54GB less than the allowance Three offers. There is simply no competition.
It's easy to see why thousands of Irish consumers continue to choose this plan above anything else, even if it did see some unfavourable changes last year. For €20 top up, you'll also receive unlimited any network texts and Three to Three calls. In addition, you will retain the ability to use the €20 credit for calls to other networks.
As is the case with bill pay, Three does limit your domestic data allowance while roaming in Europe. With this plan, you'll only be able to use 6GB while roaming. Now, for a better idea as to why so many people love this plan, let's compare it to one of Vodafone's pay as you go plan which costs the same. Vodafone's "Smart Extra" plan provides a mere 6GB of data, 54GB less than the allowance Three offers. There is simply no competition.
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Intangibles
Three's loyalty programme, 3Plus, is the best in the business. You can access 3Plus via the app for iOS and Android or through Three's website. It adds value to Three's plans, even if you don't use it heavily. I've used it to save money while shopping, dining, and ordering items online. It's a very comprehensive service which blows Vodafone's "Fantastic Days" loyalty programme out of the water. You can enter competitions to win tickets for soccer matches, concerts in the 3Arena, or smartphones. You can also avail of discounts in places such as cinemas, restaurants and shops. Three has continued to expand the service, offering something for everyone.
Three launched a new version of their My3 app not so long ago. This new app is light years ahead of Three's previous app, which was a disaster at its best. However, the new app is good, even if it does score just 2.3 stars on Google's Play Store. The app provides some basic functions which you would expect, the ability to top up, pay a bill, check remaining allowances and contact customer support. It certainly isn't on the same level as Vodafone's MyVodafone app, but you shouldn't be disappointed.
The customer support provided by a company will strongly influence your experience. Three's call centres are located in Limerick and Waterford, so many will be happy that the care is Irish-based, something that isn't the case with Vodafone. That said, I know many people who've had a diabolical experience with Three's customer support in the past, so much so that it prompted them to abandon the network. Support is available in all the forms you would expect, Twitter, Live Chat, Community Forums and phone.
Three boasts a wide selection of devices to choose from, big name brands such as Samsung, Apple and Huawei are available, as are Three's relatively new own-brand devices which cater for those who are more budget-conscious. Three also manages to secure frequent exclusives for its customers, this can include anything from unique colours to bundling a Google Home Mini with the phone. I believe there are very few people who have an issue with the device selection that Three offers.
One important feature that many people use on a frequent basis, especially in locations where usable fixed broadband remains non-existent, is the ability to use your phone to create a WiFi hotspot. Unfortunately, Three's policy states that the use of your device as a mobile hotspot is forbidden. If you decide to utilise this feature, you may incur surplus charges or have your account suspended. This feature is allowed with Vodafone and Eir.
Three launched a new version of their My3 app not so long ago. This new app is light years ahead of Three's previous app, which was a disaster at its best. However, the new app is good, even if it does score just 2.3 stars on Google's Play Store. The app provides some basic functions which you would expect, the ability to top up, pay a bill, check remaining allowances and contact customer support. It certainly isn't on the same level as Vodafone's MyVodafone app, but you shouldn't be disappointed.
The customer support provided by a company will strongly influence your experience. Three's call centres are located in Limerick and Waterford, so many will be happy that the care is Irish-based, something that isn't the case with Vodafone. That said, I know many people who've had a diabolical experience with Three's customer support in the past, so much so that it prompted them to abandon the network. Support is available in all the forms you would expect, Twitter, Live Chat, Community Forums and phone.
Three boasts a wide selection of devices to choose from, big name brands such as Samsung, Apple and Huawei are available, as are Three's relatively new own-brand devices which cater for those who are more budget-conscious. Three also manages to secure frequent exclusives for its customers, this can include anything from unique colours to bundling a Google Home Mini with the phone. I believe there are very few people who have an issue with the device selection that Three offers.
One important feature that many people use on a frequent basis, especially in locations where usable fixed broadband remains non-existent, is the ability to use your phone to create a WiFi hotspot. Unfortunately, Three's policy states that the use of your device as a mobile hotspot is forbidden. If you decide to utilise this feature, you may incur surplus charges or have your account suspended. This feature is allowed with Vodafone and Eir.
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Conclusion: World-Class Value hindered by a sub-par Network
Credit: Tech Central
Three receives praise for its plan, and rightly so, they are outright amazing when compared to their competition. But a mobile network is more than just the sum of its plans. The quality of the network is the most important factor, unlimited data is only as good as the network its on.
Three's network was synonymous with lacklustre speeds and coverage, but that interpretation has changed significantly. The company is entering the final stages of its upgrade programme, which has seen a previously appalling network undergo a transformation. But 4G coverage and 4G speeds are two very different measures, and at the moment, Three is losing when it comes to 4G speed. Furthermore, at least in my own town, we still await the arrival of ubiquitous 4G from Three, something which Vodafone delivered in late 2013.
Three's loyalty programme, 3Plus, is deserving of great praise. It is easily the best loyalty programme offered by any Irish network. The selection of devices that Three provides is vast, and the company regularly manages to offer exclusive phones and packages.
For all its downsides, Three is still deserving of great admiration from every Irish consumer. The company, in a way, has been our savour. A saviour from an industry that was stagnant and lifeless before Three's arrival, an industry that was dominated by a monopoly. Whether you need it or not, it's great that Three has managed to successfully provide unlimited data to every customer at a reasonable price, and as a result, pushed its more rapacious rivals to be nicer to their customers.
Three's network was synonymous with lacklustre speeds and coverage, but that interpretation has changed significantly. The company is entering the final stages of its upgrade programme, which has seen a previously appalling network undergo a transformation. But 4G coverage and 4G speeds are two very different measures, and at the moment, Three is losing when it comes to 4G speed. Furthermore, at least in my own town, we still await the arrival of ubiquitous 4G from Three, something which Vodafone delivered in late 2013.
Three's loyalty programme, 3Plus, is deserving of great praise. It is easily the best loyalty programme offered by any Irish network. The selection of devices that Three provides is vast, and the company regularly manages to offer exclusive phones and packages.
For all its downsides, Three is still deserving of great admiration from every Irish consumer. The company, in a way, has been our savour. A saviour from an industry that was stagnant and lifeless before Three's arrival, an industry that was dominated by a monopoly. Whether you need it or not, it's great that Three has managed to successfully provide unlimited data to every customer at a reasonable price, and as a result, pushed its more rapacious rivals to be nicer to their customers.
Vodafone Review: The Best Network in Ireland keeps getting BetterAn in-depth review of Vodafone, Ireland's largest mobile network, covering everything from network quality to plans and customer care.
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